When it comes to crime-solving shows and detective dramas like True Detective or Broadchurch, typically the story depends on the whodunit mystery to keep audiences engaged. The Welsh series Hidden (also known as Craith), however, takes a different approach by offering a look into both sides of the crime, relying more on the “why” rather than the “who” and never making it a secret who the perpetrator is. One storyline consists of what you’d find in a typical crime series, as it follows the detectives and their investigative steps in solving the case. Running parallel is a more unconventional narrative, following the perpetrator of the crime from the moment it is committed to the point where the truth inevitably catches up to them. Even with this fresh take, Hidden will appeal to fans of slow-burn detective dramas like The Bridge or The Killing while offering something a little different.
What Is ‘Hidden’ About?
The show follows DCI Cadi John, played by Sian Reese-Williams (Line of Duty), and her partner DS Owen Vaughn, played by Siôn Alun Davies (The Sandman), as they investigate a series of unsettling crimes in a small seaside town in Wales. Each season follows a different case, ranging from missing girls to seemingly random murders. While Cadi and Owen work together to solve the case, the storylines running parallel to their investigation explore the lives of the perpetrators and, often, the families of the victims as they cope with the tragedy.
Over its three seasons, Hidden offers a compelling look at the space between the crime and its resolution, showing how the perpetrators struggle with their actions. Some are consumed by guilt and increasingly entangled in their lies, while others are coldly psychopathic, enjoying the wild goose chase they lead the police on. The show’s slow-burn pacing allows for a rich exploration of characters on both sides of the crime, creating emotional depth alongside the unfolding mystery of why the crimes were committed and how the police will ultimately solve them.
Reese-Williams does an exceptional job playing a detective who is brilliant but perpetually exhausted, which feels much more authentic than a plucky young detective brimming with energy. Her character’s arc over three seasons delves into themes of grief, heartbreak, ambition and complex family dynamics, which adds another rich layer to Hidden. Meanwhile, Owen’s journey begins with the anticipation of becoming a new father and each subsequent season explores his struggles to balance work, family, and personal life with his partner. Their chemistry is wonderfully refreshing as two colleagues who deeply respect one another, eventually becoming good friends while never veering into anything romantic or unprofessional.
‘Hidden’ Relies More on Character and Motive Rather Than the Mystery
By shifting the focus from the conventional way of telling a detective story, Hidden goes deeper into the exploration of why people commit crimes, often delving into the psychological and emotional motivations that drive people to make terrible decisions over and over again. Throughout the series, the crimes serve as a microcosm of a much bigger issue in the town, whether it’s drugs, abuse, or generational hate. The detectives in the show, specifically Cadi, are not immune to their own traumas. She experiences deep loss herself and, as the daughter of a detective, is forced to come to terms with the mistakes her father may have made in the past as a police officer.
Another thing that Hidden does really well is challenging the audience to empathize with the “bad guys.” While TV has become more adept at examining the gray area of crime and its perpetrators, criminal characters were often portrayed as purely evil villains in the past. Now, with shows like Hidden, it’s clear that it’s much more nuanced than that. While it’s easy to despise what the perpetrators do, the show also provides moments where it’s difficult not to understand why. Whether it’s due to deep-seated abuse growing up, or a desire for revenge over a past crime committed against them, Hidden shows how easy it can be for characters to blur the lines between right and wrong.
Even with the unconventional nature of the show, the cases in Hidden are still very compelling and the show still manages to deliver well-earned twists that keep viewers engaged. It never feels like you’re missing out on a deeper mystery because the characters are so interesting and complex. It helps that the writing and the performances are top-notch, and the beautiful Welsh landscapes certainly make it pretty to look at, easily making Hidden a must-watch for fans of a solid, character-driven crime drama.
All three seasons of Hidden are available to stream on Acorn TV.
- Release Date
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January 7, 2018
- Cast
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Sian Reese-Williams
, Sion Alun Davies
, Victoria Pugh
, Rhodri Meilir
, Lowri Izzard
, Garmon Rhys
, Ian Saynor
, Elodie Wilton
, Gwyneth Keyworth
, Gillian Elisa
, Nia Roberts - Main Genre
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Crime
- Seasons
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3
- Producers
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Ed Talfan
, Mark Andrew - Network
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S4C
